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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many